Thank You!

We are so appreciative to the Relief Society Activities Committee for all of their planning and execution of our Cool-Aide Service Auction held this month. A lot of time and thought goes into these activities by the committee. On the same note these activities are only as successful and fun as those that come and participate. Thank you for those that make the time to join with us on these special RS evenings.  Thank you to for donating food, clothing for Bolivia, and your services. We have such wonderful sisters! We love each of you!!

Remember to contact the person whos service item you 'purchased' through our bidding auction. If you don't hear from the person who won the item you donated please make contact with them.  Service is not only good for the recipient, but also you will be blessed for serving others.

If you have thought of another service that you would like to give or you are in need of service please contact a member of the RS Presidency to let us know. Our sisterhood and friendships are strengthened as we serve each other.

Please check back on the blog frequently as things are updated and changed. Click on the SERVICE tab to see opportunities to serve.

"Service allows us to practice doing what Jesus would do. It connects us to those we serve and gives us a kind of satisfaction that self-interest can never offer."

Sunday Lesson: June 8th

Lesson 11

Honoring the Priesthood Keys Restored through Joseph Smith 

"Every man who is properly chosen to preside in any capacity in the Church should be honored in his calling.” -Joseph F Smith

Joseph F Smith gave us two stories from his own life modeling this behavior.

"At one point in Joseph Fielding Smith’s service as an Apostle, the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles were engaged in an ongoing discussion about a difficult question. Elder Smith had expressed a strong opinion about the issue. One day President Heber J. Grant, who was then the President of the Church, came to Elder Smith’s office. President Grant explained that after prayerfully considering the issue, he had felt impressed to recommend an action that differed from Elder Smith’s views. Immediately Elder Smith voiced his support for President Grant’s decision. He later declared, “So far as I am concerned, when the President of the Church says the Lord has manifested to him or inspired him to do anything, I would support him fully in that action.”3

"Joseph Fielding Smith gave such support to all his priesthood leaders, not just the President of the Church. For example, Nathan Eldon Tanner was called to serve as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve in October 1962. One year later, he was called as a Counselor in the First Presidency, thus placing him in a presiding position over President Smith, who was the President of the Quorum of the Twelve. President Tanner later expressed his gratitude for President Smith’s support: “When I was called to the First Presidency, though he was the senior member of the Twelve and had been in office for over fifty years, he showed great respect for me in that position and gave me full support and confidence.”4

-Joseph F Smith

It is not about what kind of title or position we hold, it is about what kind of member we are and how many good things we set in motion or help with.

"The keys of priesthood had to be restored. It was not sufficient that John the Baptist came with the keys of the Aaronic Priesthood, and Peter, James, and John with the keys of the Melchizedek Priesthood, by virtue of which the Church was organized, but there had to be an opening of the heavens and a restoration of keys held by all the prophets who have headed dispensations from the days of Adam down to the days of Peter, James, and John. These prophets came in their turn and each bestowed the authority which he held.11"

"Brethren and sisters, this is a glorious dispensation. All other dispensations flow into it. All authorities, all powers, are centered in this dispensation in which we live. We are privileged to partake of these blessings through our faithfulness.16"

"May I now say—very plainly and very emphatically—that we have the holy priesthood and that the keys of the kingdom of God are here. They are found only in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.17"

-Joseph F Smith

A group of tourists who went into a deep, dark cave. Once inside the cave the guide turned off the lights, waited for a few minutes, and then asked each person to point in the direction of the exit. When the lights came back on, people were pointing in all different directions.  Elder Robert D. Hales: “If the power of the priesthood were not upon the earth, the adversary would have freedom to roam and reign without restraint. There would be no gift of the Holy Ghost to direct and enlighten us; no prophets to speak in the name of the Lord; no temples where we could make sacred, eternal covenants; no authority to bless or baptize, to heal or comfort. … There would be no light, no hope—only darkness” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1995, p. 40; or Ensign, Nov. 1995, p. 32).

“I think there is one thing which we should have exceedingly clear in our minds. Neither the President of the Church, nor the First Presidency, nor the united voice of the First Presidency and the Twelve will ever lead the Saints astray or send forth counsel to the world that is contrary to the mind and will of the Lord.

"An individual may fall by the wayside, or have views, or give counsel which falls short of what the Lord intends. But the voice of the First Presidency and the united voice of those others who hold with them the keys of the kingdom shall always guide the Saints and the world in those paths where the Lord wants them to be. …”

-Joseph F Smith

Relief Society Activity

Everyone come to our R.S. night on June 12 at 6:30 pm. We will be having a potato bar and a service auction. Please think of a service that you can donate. Can be anything from planting flowers for someone to babysitting their children to baking someones favorite cookies. you will get points that night to bid with. We will also have a nursery. Hope to see you there!

Also, remember to bring items to donate to an orphanage in Bolivia.  Used children's clothes (any size or gender), new underwear and socks, shoes, etc. are greatly appreciated. If anyone has any old suitcases they would be willing to donate to transport the items that would be great. Those suitcases they would be willing to donate to transport the items that would be great. Those suitcases would then be given to potential missionaries in Bolivia getting ready to serve. Even things like old prescription glasses could help. If you can't bring your items that night, feel free to drop them by Lisa Lara's home before July 8th.

We can't wait to see you all tomorrow night!

Ward Activity

Don't forget about the 2nd Ward Lake Party this Friday, June 6th, from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Location is Hyatt Lake on the west side of Eldridge St. between 58th and 64th Ave. Anybody can come to play in the water from 3pm on, and fishing is also allowed. No need for a fishing licence.

Please bring a side or dessert to share, hamburgers and hot dogs and root beer will be provided. Bring toys and games and be ready to have fun!

June Newsletter

Presidency Message

Do you ever have those life experiences that change you? The ones that change the way you see things? Change the way you think and act? I'm guessing you would say yes. I often reflect on one of those experiences that I've had. This particular one happened when I was in my early 20's. We had moved out of state away from family and close friends to finish school newly married. We didn't know anyone within 900 miles. This was the first time that I had attended a ward where I didn't know anyone and they didn't know me. I always had family and good friends around me that I was comfortable with. Now I was completely out of my comfort zone. I didn't think much about this initially. I thought I was strong, independent, and could handle this change without problem. I soon found out that my strong, quiet, independent personality came across differently to those around me – those that didn't know anything about me or my background. The people here didn't seem friendly, they didn't talk to me, they they they is what I kept thinking. Although I didn't realize it at the time, I was starting to have built up feelings about how unfriendly all these people were. I thought these people were supposed to be my family away from family, my ward family as I'd heard. How selfish of me looking back!

It would have been easy to slip by and go unseen and possibly not attend church, but I knew that wouldn't help in the end. I was unsure of where I fit in here. I didn't know how to accept kind words from people well. I assumed they didn't genuinely care so I kept some distance because it felt safer than putting myself out there. I had a calling in YW's and I didn't participate very much in anything else. I kept up on my visiting teaching, but I felt better alone, so I thought. I was polite to others as much as I needed to be. After some time another couple invited us to dinner at their home. We accepted the invite. By the end of our stay I had been told that I was much nicer than I looked, acted, and then they thought I would be. How was I to take that?! Surprisingly things got better from then on. I began to realize that I had been the one that was choosing to be alone, not they as I had assumed. I had been rejecting others who were trying to do their best to befriend me, in whatever way they knew how. Thankfully, I realized this before we left. By the time we moved I was able to open myself up to others. We had wonderful experiences there and have lifelong friends. From this experience I made a promise to myself before we moved to Arvada that I would be willing to make the first move and let others get to know me. It was not easy! It is much easier for me to keep to myself because that feels safer. I made myself get involved, meet others, smile more, participate, and look for ways to serve even though it doesn't always come easy. I am reminded constantly about this experience.

Through these trying experiences I am reminded of the scripture found in D&C 122:7 "...know though, my son (daughter), that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good." Looking back on this experience and many others I can see how I have changed because of them. How did I choose to handle a particular experience? Do I let my assumptions guide me or am I willing to have an open heart and mind? There are many questions we can ask ourselves when life comes our way. We have the gift of agency. How we handle it, what we learn, and where we go from there is up to us. President James E. Faust said, "Tomorrow's blessings and opportunities depend on the choices we make today." I hope that we can look to our loving Father in Heaven daily during our experiences and make a choice that will bring us closer to Him. He is aware of us and loves us more than we can imagine.

With Sincerest Love,
The Relief Society Presidency,
Marty, Lisa, Jan, Debbie, and Jenny

June 2014 Birthdays
1 June Berger
4 Annette Hess
6 Erin Jorgenson
14 Andi Cory
15 Lisa Anderson-Weldon
15 Jamie Whitmore
16 Connie Dachtler
17 Lisa Larson
17 Sandra Sullivan
18 Kristin Mann
20 Colleen Wagner
21 Sephora Haertel
24 Eva Carroll
30 Breanne Puff

Lesson Schedule
June 1 Stake Conference
June 8 #11 “Honoring the Priesthood Keys
Restored through Joseph Smith” taught by
Kristen Tanner
June 15 #12 “The Oath and Covenant of the
Priesthood” taught by Kay Bashford
June 22 General Conference talk “Be Strong and of Good Courage” by Thomas S Monson AND
“Let Your Faith Show” by Russell Nelson
June 29 Combined RS/Priesthood

Upcoming Events
June 1 Stake Conference 10:00 AM
June 12 Relief Society Meeting 6:30 PM
June 15 Father’s Day (Please bring pie to church)

Other Opportunities
June 2 Book Club 7:00 at Andrea Lentz discussing “The Astronaut Wives Club”
June 6 Ward Party 5:30-8:00 at Hyatt Lake
June 10 Lunch Bunch 11:00 at Panda Express (5145 Kipling Street)
1st, 3rd, 4th weeks All Ages Playgroup
2nd & 4th weeks Little Tots Playgroup (geared for 2 yrs and under)
Saturdays 8am Pickup basketball
Mon & Wed weekly at 9am Aerobics

Sunday Lesson: May 25th

Sis. Jacquelyn Brady taught the lesson from a General Conference talk by Elder W. Craig Zwick What are You Thinking? Elder Zwick shares the story of when he and his wife and infant son were in an 18-wheel semitruck taking a heavy load down a steep highway. The cab of the truck suddenly filled with thick smoke and Elder Zwick did all he could to quickly stop the truck. Before the truck came to a stop, however, his wife opened the door to the cab and jumped out with the baby in her arms. As soon as Elder Zwick got to his wife and son, he blurted out, "What in the world were you thinking? Do you know how dangerous that was? You could have been killed!" Elder Zwick's wife answered that, "I was just trying to save our son." She thought that the engine was on fire and was trying to get out before the truck exploded. Elder Zwick knew the problem was an electrical failure that was hazardous, but not fatal.

Elder Zwick states, "When our truck cab filled with smoke, my wife acted in the bravest manner she could imagine to protect our son I too acted as a protector when I questioned her choice. Shockingly, it did not matter who was more right. What mattered was listening to each other and understanding the other's perspective."

Ephesians 4:29 - "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good and edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers." Sis. Brady pointed out that the 3 things communication should always be is good, edifying and contain grace. 

Listening also is a big part of communication. Sis. Brady shared some important points from the recent Stake Women's Conference. Stephen R. Covey said, "Seek first to understand, then to be understood...To feel understood is the deepest psychological need...Understanding comes through listening...Most people listen with the intent to respond instead of listening with the intent to understand."

As we work hard to communicate better with others, we must always remember the role the Holy Ghost can play. The Spirit will help us to transform "corrupt communication" into "ministering grace." Elder Zwick teaches us that 'it may not change or solve the problem, but the more important possibility may be whether ministering grace could change us."

Sunday Lesson, May 18th

We thank Sister Kristen Tanner for the lesson she taught and the reminder of the importance to study the scriptures.

“It seems to me that any member of this Church would never be satisfied until he or she had read the Book of Mormon time and time again and thoroughly considered it so that he or she could bear witness that it is in very deed a record with the inspiration of the Almighty upon it.” -Joseph Fielding Smith

The Book of Mormon is a sacred record that contains the everlasting gospel and bears witness of Jesus Christ. Every author of the Book of Mormon wrote a personal heartfelt testimony of Jesus Christ. This book was written for us.

23 For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.

26 And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins. -2 Nephi 25: 23;26 “study of the Book of Mormon is most rewarding when one focuses on its primary purpose—to testify of Jesus Christ. By comparison, all other issues are incidental.” -Elder Russell M Nelson
 
The other main purpose of the Book of Mormon is to be a witness for the Bible. God regularly uses multiple witnesses to establish truth. Each book within the Bible was a stand-alone book… its own unique witness up until the 1500’s when it was put together.

In accordance with the law of witnesses, the Lord called special witnesses to testify of the Book of Mormon. The three men called to serve as special witnesses of the coming forth of the Book of Mormon by the power of God, are Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, and Martin Harris. … They beheld the engravings upon the plates as the leaves were turned one by one before them, and the voice of God was heard by them declaring from the heavens that the translation was by the gift and power of God, and commanding them to bear record of it to all the world. These three witnesses, through adversity, persecution, and all the vicissitudes of life, always remained true to their testimony that they beheld the plates in the presence of an angel and heard the voice of God speaking to them from the heavens. -Joseph Fielding Smith

Each Member of the Church can be a witness of the Book of Mormon.
 
It seems to me that any member of this Church would never be satisfied until he or she had read the Book of Mormon time and time again, and thoroughly considered it so that he or she could bear witness that it is in very deed a record with the inspiration of the Almighty upon it, and that its history is true. …

… No member of this Church can stand approved in the presence of God who
 has not seriously and carefully read the Book of Mormon.18 -Joseph Fielding Smith

As we continue to read the Book of Mormon sincerely and prayerfully, it endears itself to us more and more. We know that reading The Book of Mormon will bring you closer to the Lord and his loving power. We challenge every sister to read the Book of Mormon and receive inspiration and strength from it.

See the entire lesson HERE.

In preparation for Sunday's lesson

From Sister Kristen Tanner:

This coming Sunday we are learning in Chapter 9 about Witnesses of the Book of Mormon.  I'm going to ask for testimonies about the Book of Mormon during the lesson and would appreciate anyone willing to share experiences where they came to understand how inspired and true the Book of Mormon is.  

Sunday Lesson, May 11th

The Stake asked that Chp. 24 of our Joseph Fielding Smith manual be taught, perhaps because of Mother's Day. Sis. Kay Bashford gave a wonderful lesson on The Work of Latter-day Saint Women: "Unselfish Devotion to This Glorious Cause".

To start the lesson, Sis. Bashford asked us all to take a few minutes and think of all the women who have been important to us. Women who have taught us, been examples to us, and loved us. She encouraged us to write these names down so these women wouldn't be forgotten. 

Pres. Joseph Fielding Smith spent a lifetime serving alongside faithful Latter-day Saint women. This service began when he was young, about 10 years old. His mother, Julina L. Smith, followed the counsel of the church to gain an education in medicine and health care. She received training as a midwife and young Joseph would be the one to drive the horse-drawn carriage to homes where babies were about to be born. "Serving with his mother in this way, young Joseph Fielding Smith saw an example of the strength and compassion of the women of the Church." Sis. Bashford's own grandmother also received this kind of training. Money was earned in her behalf in her stake in Wyoming for her to travel to Salt Lake to be trained. She helped countless mother's when it was time for their babies be born.

The scriptures are full of amazing examples of women who have brought about good and taught us many things: Eve, Ruth and Naomi, Mary the mother of Jesus, Mary Magdalene, the unnamed women who touched Jesus and had the faith to be healed, the mother's of the 2,000 stripling warriors, and many more. 

Pres. Smith said, "Surely the Church of Jesus Christ would not have been completely organized had not this wonderful organization (Relief Society) come into existence...The Relief Society has grown to be a power in the Church. Absolutely necessary - we speak of it as an auxiliary, which means a help, but the Relief Society is more than that. It is needed." Sis. Bashford helped us understand that even though Visiting Teaching is not an easy job to do, it is so important to help build the kingdom of God. "I don't know what in the world our stake presidents and bishops in the wards would do if they didn't have these good sisters of the Relief Society upon whom to depend; whom they can call to their service, many times, to handle situations that would be very delicate, that is for our brethren, but which our sisters may perform to the very greatest advantage."

At the end of her lesson, Sis. Bashford asked us all to read a little part of section 4 of the lesson, The Lord expects women to seek for light and truth that they may be entitled to celestial glory. This section teaches us that the plan of salvation as well as saving ordinances such as baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost are for women just as much as they are for men. "The Lord expects the sisters to be qualified with a testimony of the truth to understand the doctrines of the Church just as he does those who hold the Priesthood." Pres. Smith also said, "Our sisters are entitled just as much to the inspiration for their needs of the Holy Spirit as are the men, every bit....When they pray they should pray earnestly, expecting to have an answer to their prayers."

Sometimes we as women do not give ourselves enough credit for the countless hours and time we give in service of our fellow men. As we work hard day after day to become as our Savior, we will feel of His love and know that the work we are doing is His work. Pres. Joseph Fielding Smith: "There is no limit to the good that our sisters can do."

See entire lesson HERE

To Every Mother

Every woman plays a role as a mother.  You are loved and appreciated more than you will ever know!

Thank you for all you do!!